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2006, February 8.  Valentines Day

Litho Offset.  Amstar Company, Inc.  Perf. 14.

Se-tenant Pairs, Sheets of 40 (10 x 4)

 

    

Se-tenant Pairs    (35,000)

 

  7p  Cupid - Happy Valentines Day

  7p  Cupid - I Love You

 

Layout Artist:  Jesus Alfredo Delos Santos

Graphic Artist:  Richard M. Allen Baron

 

 

First Day Covers:  Manila

 

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VALENTINE'S DAY

Every February, across the country, candies, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. Valentines' Day as we know it today is celebrated not only in the Philippines but also in Canada, Mexico, USA, United Kingdom, France and Australia. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. 

One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men-his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. 

Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured. According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl-who may have been his jailor's daughter-who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed "From your Valentine", an expression that is still use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and most importantly, romantic figure. 

Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages (written Valentine's did not begin to appear until after 1400), and the oldest known Valentine card is on display at the British Museum. The first commercial Valentine's Day greeting cards produced in the U.S. were created in the 1840's by Esther A. Howland, known as the Mother of the Valentine, rtiade elaborate creations with real lace, ribbons and colorful pictures known as "scrap".

 

TOPICAL CATEGORIES

• Valentines

• Greetings

Articles by Dr. Ngo TiongTak

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